Online donations appeal launched to keep Sidmouth Regatta Airshow flying high
Sidmouth Town Council has today launched a new funding appeal to keep the Regatta Airshow flying into the future.
The town has been welcoming the Red Arrows display team as part of Sidmouth Regatta since the 1970s and is a highlight of the town calendar for visitors and residents alike. The show attracts some 30,000 people, residents and visitors alike, to enjoy the show but needs public support to help keep the event returning each year. The Regatta Airshow relies almost entirely on donations from the public. Though the Town Council fund the operations on the ground such as car parking and marshalling, the flying teams are funded by the public.
In an attempt to ensure the future of the event, organisers have launched an online donations page and text donations system to compliment collecting buckets on the day. A spokesperson said “If you want to continue to enjoy this event with the Red Arrows and other teams, we need you to donate generously. Without public support, this simply won’t be able happen in the future. Please give generously”
To donate you can go to www.sidmouth.gov.uk and click on the “Sidmouth Regatta Airshow Donations” Button or click this link:https://platform.nationalfundingscheme.org/MQPE01?charity=MQPE01
Alternatively you can text:
To donate £1, text MQPE01 to 70201
To donate £3, text MQPE01 to 70331
To donate £5, text MQPE01 to 70970
To donate £10, text MQPE01 to 70191
With the 2023 Airshow line-up now finalised, the Council earlier this year confirmed that the show will commence at 5.00pm with a return to Sidmouth by Team Raven with their Van’s RV-8 mono-wing aircraft who wowed crowds last year. Following, will be the two principal aircraft who defended the skies above Britain in 1940 with an RAF Spitfire and Hurricane from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight taking to the skies over the sea.
Organisers continue to ask for volunteer collectors on the day too. Collectors are a vital part of the Airshow Team, helping to support and fund this annual event. If anyone is able to offer help to be part of that team, please contact Sidmouth Town Council at towncouncil@sidmouth.gov.uk and the organising team will then be in touch. As a collector, you will still be able to watch the display.
Times and team participation is based upon aircraft availability and weather conditions. Details will be publicised closer to the show. Keep an eye out for future details on the participating teams at www.visitsidmouth.gov.uk , www.sidmouth.gov.uk and Facebook for up to the minute details, timings and other announcements on the event.